Sabine Schmitz joins Top Gear

The German racing driver – who appeared on Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson and friends – is known as the “Queen of Nurburgring” having completed 30,000 laps of the legendary circuit.

She said: “I grew up next to the Nurburgring and have been racing for most of my life, so the chance to combine both driving and filming was to good an opportunity to pass up.”

Schmitz continued: I’ve appeared on Top Gear a few times in the past, so I know we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Chris Harris and Rory Reid join Top Gear

The Top Gear presenting line-up also includes motoring journalist Chris Harris who has a significant following on YouTube. He explained: “I'm quite gobby and happy to get into trouble”, (but) hope to underpin the new “programme with journalistic credibility”.

Finally, Rory Reid has been recruited via the public auditions whereby wannabe presenters submitted video clips. His credits include Sky 1's Gadget Geeks. Reid said: “To be the only person to make it through the open audition process makes me immensely proud”.

Chris Evans discusses new Top Gear presenters

Lead Presenter Chris Evans said: “We really do have a bit of everything for everyone. A fellow lifelong petrol-head from the other side of the pond in Matt; a fearless speed-demon in the irrepressible and effervescent Sabine; the encyclopedic, funny and wonderfully colourful character that is EJ; Chris - one of the world’s top no-nonsense car reviewers - and Rory, who simply blew me away in his audition and fully deserves his place on the team."